How to Prevent Dry Air at Home Posted on September 27, 2024 ‘Tis the cold season once again. As the snow piles outside and the thermostat is turned up, you may notice something in the cozy warmth of your home. Even as the fireplace crackles and the heater hums, you may notice your skin being dry or your lips getting chapped. There might be the occasional static shock, a clogged nose, or sinus irritation. These are all the symptoms of a frequent issue during cold weather: dry indoor air. In this guide, we discuss the consequences of dry indoor air, how it happens, and what you can do to prevent or minimize dry air at home in winter. What is Dry Air? Dry air is a phenomenon wherein the air has less humidity. Normally, the air in your home contains moisture. This tends to drop during cold weather as there is less water that evaporates into the air, resulting in cold dry air. Indoor heating systems exacerbate this issue by warming the air, further reducing its humidity. If the indoor air becomes too dry, it can lead to various health and comfort issues. What is Relative Humidity? Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. When the temperature drops, cold air tends to hold less moisture, resulting in lower relative humidity. For indoor spaces, the ideal relative humidity in winter should range between 30% and 50% according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Maintaining humidity within this range prevents the air from becoming excessively dry while also avoiding overly humid conditions, which can lead to mold growth or condensation. In colder climates however, it may be necessary to keep humidity levels closer to 30% to avoid condensation on windows and walls, especially when outdoor temperatures plummet. What are the Symptoms of Dry Air? 1. Physical symptoms Dry, itchy skin: Lack of moisture in the air can cause your skin to become flaky, itchy, or cracked. Chapped lips: Lips lose moisture quickly in dry air, leading to persistent chapping. Dry eyes: Eyes may feel irritated, scratchy, or red due to insufficient humidity. Sore or scratchy throat: Dry air can irritate your throat, especially overnight. Nosebleeds: Dry air dries out nasal passages, making you more prone to nosebleeds. Coughing: Dry air can irritate the respiratory system, leading to a persistent dry cough. Worsening of respiratory conditions: Conditions like asthma or allergies can be exacerbated in dry environments due to irritated airways. 2. Environmental Signs Cracked or creaky wooden furniture: Low humidity can cause wood to dry out and crack, or cause floors to squeak. Warped or split wood floors: Extreme dryness may lead to warping or splitting of wooden floors and furniture. Static electricity buildup: You may notice an increase in static shocks when touching objects or fabrics. Peeling wallpaper: Dry air can cause wallpaper adhesive to dry out, leading to peeling or bubbles. Shrinking caulk or gaps around windows and doors: Dry air can cause caulk and other materials to shrink, creating gaps. Cracked or peeling paint: Walls may develop cracks or peeling paint due to low humidity levels. Dry indoor plants: Plants may wilt, brown, or lose leaves due to insufficient moisture. 3. Air quality and comfort Increased dust: Dry air can cause more dust particles to become airborne. Low indoor humidity readings: A hygrometer reading below 30% indicates excessively dry air. Cold sensation: Dry air can make the indoor environment feel colder than it is, leading to a constant feeling of being chilled even with the thermostat set to high. 4. Effects on sleep Dry mouth upon waking: You may experience dry mouth or throat, particularly if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping. Interrupted sleep: Discomfort from dry skin, nasal congestion, or a scratchy throat may lead to frequent waking during the night. Consequences of Having Dry Air at Home Health Implications Dry Skin: One of the most noticeable effects of low humidity is dry skin. The skin can become flaky, irritated, and prone to cracking. Eye Irritation: Eyes can feel dry, irritated, and appear red. Respiratory Issues: Dry air can irritate the respiratory system, causing sore throats, dry sinuses, and exacerbating conditions like asthma and allergies. Increased Risk of Illness: Viruses like the flu thrive in low-humidity environments, increasing the likelihood of colds and respiratory infections. Reduced Comfort Static Electricity: Low humidity increases static electricity in the air, leading to those annoying shocks when touching metal or fabric. Perceived Temperature: When the air is too dry, it can make your home feel colder than it actually is, prompting you to turn up the heat unnecessarily. Property Damage Wood Damage: Furniture, flooring, and other wooden materials can shrink, crack, or warp due to excessively dry air. Cracking Paint and Wallpaper: Low humidity can cause paint and wallpaper to dry out, crack, or peel over time. Damage to Electronics: Static electricity build-up can damage sensitive electronic devices, leading to malfunctions or even failure. How to Fix Dry Air at Home 1. Use a Humidifier One of the most effective ways to combat dry air is by using a humidifier. Humidifiers come in various types (cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic, evaporative), each with its own benefits. Check out our complete guide to the different types of humidifiers. Ideally, you should use a whole-house humidifier that attaches to your HVAC system or place portable units in rooms where you spend the most time. Tip: Keep the humidifier clean to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can make indoor air quality worse. Here’s our checklist for humidifier maintenance and cleaning. Once you’re ready to choose, check out our humidifier catalog here. 2. Add Houseplants Plants naturally release moisture through a process called transpiration. Certain plants, such as ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants, are particularly good at increasing indoor humidity. As a bonus, they also help purify the air. Tip: Group plants together in rooms that tend to be drier to maximize their humidity-boosting effects. 3. Use a Hygrometer A hygrometer measures the relative humidity in your home. By regularly checking the humidity levels, you can ensure they stay within the optimal range of 30-50%. Tip: Some modern thermostats come with built-in hygrometers, so you can monitor humidity alongside temperature. 4. Seal Windows and Doors Prevent cold, dry air from leaking into your home by properly sealing windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to close gaps, preventing drafts that lower indoor humidity. Tip: Insulated window treatments, like thermal curtains, can help maintain warmth and prevent moisture loss. 5. Lower the Thermostat The higher you set the temperature, the drier the air becomes. Lowering the thermostat by a few degrees helps prevent over-drying of the air while also saving on energy costs. Tip: The Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat between 68-70°F for optimal comfort and humidity control. 6. Air-Dry Laundry Indoors Skip the dryer on occasion and hang your laundry indoors to dry. The moisture from the wet clothes will evaporate into the air, naturally increasing the humidity levels. Tip: Place clothes on drying racks in rooms that tend to be drier for the best effect. 7. Use the Stovetop Cooking on the stovetop, particularly boiling water or making soups and stews, adds moisture to the air. Tip: Add herbs, citrus, or spices to the water to create a pleasant aroma while adding moisture to the air. 8. Boil Water If you’re not cooking, you can also simmer a pot of water on low heat to boost humidity. Let that hot cup of tea or chocolate restore humidity! 9. Shower with the Door Open After taking a hot shower, leave the bathroom door open to allow the steam to circulate through the house, adding moisture to the air. Tip: If you have an exhaust fan, consider turning it off during winter to keep the moisture in. 10. Avoid Overusing Exhaust Fans Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens remove both moisture and air from your home. While they are essential for venting out humidity during certain activities, avoid overuse, especially in winter. Tip: Only run the exhaust fan when necessary, and consider turning it off promptly after use. Conclusion Dry indoor air is a common issue in winter, but with a few practical tips, you can maintain the proper level of humidity in your home. By using humidifiers, making simple adjustments, and ensuring your home is properly sealed, you can prevent the discomforts and potential damage associated with dry air indoors. Follow our tips to enjoy a cozy and balanced indoor environment throughout the cold season! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
